Tan Kiat How on Info-communications Media Development Authority (Amendment) Bill

The government is moving to broaden the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) oversight of ownership and control changes in the media sector. The regulator’s approval will be needed if anyone seeks to acquire 30 per cent or more of a “regulated person” - that is, a broadcasting licensee or holder of a newspaper permit. These are companies that shape the information environment for Singaporeans, especially in the age of AI and disinformation, said Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How in parliament on Wednesday (May 6). The move will align the regulatory framework for the media sector with that for the telecommunications sector. The bill would also empower IMDA to issue directions to maintain fair market conduct or safeguard consumers’ interests with transparent and reliable provision of media services. It also seeks to vest the power to order structural separation of a regulated person in the minister rather than IMDA. This step is meant as a last resort to eliminate barriers to competition created by the control of media resources or possession of significant market power.